Blue Hills Regional Technical School Practical Nursing Program Holds Its 24th Annual Graduation on June 26

By Judy Bass

In front of a capacity crowd of family members, faculty, Blue Hills administrators, staff and guests, 30 adult Practical Nursing students at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton graduated from the 10-month program in an often poignant, sometimes lighthearted ceremony held at the school.

The graduates are Donna Campbell, Brockton; Heather Capuzzo, Avon; Denise Colarossi, Norwood; Brieann Concannon, West Roxbury; Ana Depina, Brockton; Iliana Diaz, Easton; Colleen Donohue, Dedham; Jennifer Doolin, Holbrook; Brianna Farrar, Brockton; Caroline Flynn, Braintree; Kelli Gallagher, Canton; Courtney Good, Canton; Olivia Gronroos, Canton; Anna Karanja, Brockton; Pauline Laureta, Randolph; Vladimir Litvin, Braintree; Jennifer Madden, Brockton; Kimberly Maher, Norwood; Latanya Marriot, Hyde Park; Anne-Marie Mathelier, Randolph; Damaris Mwangi, Brockton; Annet Nabakka, Weymouth; Corey Nason, Whitman; Hong Jun (Alex) Peng, Canton; Renee Reece, Monponsett; Ruth Rogene, Brockton; Stacy-Ann Salmon, Mattapan; Kathy Svagdis, Randolph; Cassandre Titus, Randolph; and Margaret Walker, Pembroke.

Kathryn Svagdis was the valedictorian.  Ruth Rogene was the salutatorian.

The master of ceremonies was Maureen McCann, MS, RN, Chairperson of the Practical Nursing program.

In attendance were Blue Hills District School Committee members Festus Joyce of Milton and Marybeth Nearen of Randolph, and Blue Hills Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Marybeth Joyce.

In his opening remarks, Aidan G. Maguire, Jr. of Canton, Vice Chairman of the Blue Hills District School Committee (he will become Chairman on July 1), told the Class of 2013, “In the future, I’m sure that all of you will make a tremendous difference for the patients in your care.  Whether they can be fully restored to health or not, they will surely find comfort in knowing that you cared deeply about them.   Having the opportunity to hold the hand of someone in distress or offer reassuring bedside words when they are needed most is a rare and special privilege.  It is now yours to use and cherish.  I hope you use it wisely and well.”

The keynote speaker was Dr. Michelle McMahon, who taught in the Practical Nursing program at Blue Hills from 1995 to 2008 and recently received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth.  She previously graduated from Salem State College.  Dr. McMahon has been a registered nurse for 23 years and is presently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Curry College in Milton.

Telling the graduates that they have begun “the knowledge journey” which leads to “lifelong learning” in their profession through attending conferences, reading medical journals and so forth, Dr. McMahon gave the men and women of the Class of 2013 some valuable tips for succeeding in the healthcare field.

She exhorted them to “love what you do, never lose your enthusiasm, keep a positive attitude towards patients and co-workers, be confident in the care you provide, use your resources, never underestimate your concerns, and nurture yourself in mind and body” to maintain a high energy level despite the stress and demands of nursing. 

Clinical awards were given to the following graduates: the Wilfrid Savoie Award, named for a former superintendent of Blue Hills Regional, went to Annet Nabakka and Ruth Rogene.  The Faculty Award was given to Anna Karanja.  The Leadership Award was given to Latanya Marriot.  The Achievement Award went to Donna Campbell and Hong Jun (Alex) Peng.  The Motivation Award went to Colleen Donohue.

A special award named for Mrs. McCann, who is retiring from her position after 24 years of distinguished service to the Practical Nursing program, was given to graduate Renee Reece.

The presentation of pins was done by Practical Nursing instructors Marie DiBlasi, Nancy Finnell, Catherine Mohan, Paula Haddad, Brenda Smith-Burke, and Paula Winskowicz.  All are registered nurses.

Graduate Jennifer Madden received her pin from her sister Michelle, who graduated from the Practical Nursing program in 2010.  Margaret Walker got her pin from her mother Sandra, also a graduate of the program.

Class Representatives Latanya Marriot and Corey Nason each gave emotional addresses to their fellow graduates, citing the rigors entailed in the previous 10 months they all spent in the program, as well as the many rewards, such as the privilege of being instructed by such dedicated, compassionate teachers. 

The Blue Hills Regional Practical Nursing program (Postsecondary Programs Division) is offered to post-secondary adults on a full-time basis for a 40-week period from September to June, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program offers a rigorous educational experience of theory and clinical practice which will prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing.  Students are prepared for an exciting job or can pursue further education upon successful completion of this program.

For questions about admissions or financial aid, contact Marybeth Joyce at mjoyce@bluehills.org or call 781-828-5800 x231.